Tag Archives: pakistan

disasters, earthquake, geology, pakistan, science

Earthquake Of Magnitude 4.5 Strikes Pakistan At Depth Of 10 Km, Tremors Recorded By National Center For Seismology

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Islamabad: An earthquake measuring magnitude 4.5 struck Pakistan on Saturday at 01:59 IST (Indian Standard Time), according to the National Center for Seismology. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers below the earth’s crust.

The National Center for Seismology posted on their official ‘X’ account: “EQ of M: 4.5, On: 04/10/2025 01:59:40 IST, Lat: 28.30 N, Long: 65.25 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan.”

Earlier in the week, on October 2, another earthquake of magnitude 3.2 was recorded in Karachi, Pakistan. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that the tremor was felt seven kilometers northwest of Malir at 09:34 AM local time. This earthquake also originated at a depth of 10 kilometers within the earth’s crust, according to PMD and reported by Dawn.

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/earthquake-of-magnitude-45-strikes-pakistan-at-depth-of-10-km-tremors-recorded-by-national-center-for-seismology

climate change, community, environment, sustainability, water management

Covering the basics

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Thousands of residents of Farash Town and James Town in the twin cities are celebrating improved access to clean drinking water. In addition to this vital resource, they have also acquired valuable skills such as water reuse and aquifer recharge through rainwater harvesting techniques. These achievements are part of a comprehensive megaproject focused on enhancing water security.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan and the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative, an Australian Aid-funded project aimed at strengthening cooperation between Australia and Pakistan on urban water resources management. This megaproject consists of a series of smaller projects, all scheduled to become operational by the end of December and expected to be maintained with active community involvement.

The primary goal of the project is to tailor, adopt, and demonstrate the Water Sensitive Cities approach in Pakistan. Both Islamabad and Rawalpindi are among the cities anticipated to face increasing water scarcity in the coming years. As a pilot, the project focused on two neighborhoods within these twin cities: James Town in Rawalpindi and Farash Town in Islamabad.

James Town is home to over 450 Christian households and has long struggled with acute water shortages. Farash Town, with a population exceeding 20,000, also faces severe water scarcity and declining groundwater levels.

Yasmin Bibi, a resident of Farash Town, shared her experience with The News on Sunday: “Our area had a severe water shortage. The water table had also gone down. With the help of these projects, we were able to recharge the aquifer and get water from filtration plants installed at various places in the town.”

WWF installed seven water filtration plants—five located throughout the neighborhood and two within large local schools—providing clean drinking water to approximately 24,500 people. Remarkably, these filtration plants are maintained by the community itself.

Imran Ali, another resident, described the impact: “This is a blessing for us. Earlier, many families had to travel to the Chak Shahzad government filtration plant to fetch water, often hiring a rickshaw. Now, we have clean drinking water right at our doorstep.”

He added, “Before this project, many who could afford it were selling their properties and moving to other parts of the city due to water shortages. Now, our lives and priorities have changed. It is such a relief not to have to go out of our way for something as basic as water.”

Since its inception in April 2021, the WWF has installed a wide array of infrastructure in both communities. In James Town, these efforts include 275 rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS), six water recharge interventions, two green spaces, three filtration plants (two large, one small), 15 solid waste skips, two rain gardens, and a sewerage system servicing 450 houses.

In Farash Town, WWF implemented 375 rainwater harvesting systems, four ablution water reuse systems, 31 recharge interventions, three green spaces, three communal RWHS, seven filtration plants (five large, two small), four solid waste skips, and two rain gardens.

Farah Nadeem, the project lead, emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “These projects serve as serious demonstrations of sustainable water management models and create much-needed awareness about water security.” She further noted that water security topics have been integrated into the local school curriculum as part of the initiative.

Through this project, WWF-Pakistan has not only improved access to safe water and sanitation for two disadvantaged communities but also enhanced community resilience to climate change and other water-related challenges. Capacity building for key stakeholders on water use and conservation has been another critical outcome.

Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries globally, with an average per capita water availability of just 964 cubic meters annually. Scientific studies indicate ongoing depletion of groundwater resources, exacerbating climate change-induced vulnerabilities for millions already suffering from shortages of water, food, health services, and energy security.

This collaborative water security initiative offers hope and a sustainable model for addressing Pakistan’s urgent water challenges, directly benefiting communities in the twin cities and beyond.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346830-covering-the-basics

human rights, lgbtq, pakistan, protest, violence

Bodies of three transgender women left on roadside in Pakistan spark demands for justice

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Bodies of Three Transgender Women Found on Roadside in Pakistan Spark Demands for Justice

The discovery of the bodies of three transgender women on a roadside in Pakistan has ignited calls for justice from the community and human rights advocates. This tragic incident occurred just two days after another transgender woman was wounded in a knife attack, highlighting ongoing violence against transgender individuals in the region.

Members of the transgender community gathered to mourn the loss of their three fellow members, who, according to eyewitnesses, were killed by unidentified gunmen. In a peaceful protest held in Karachi on September 24, 2025, they comforted each other while condemning the attacks and demanding justice.

Photo credit: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

By DANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868698

disaster, emergency, humanitarian, news, society

Over 1000 people dead due to floods in Pakistan

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Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported that at least 1,006 people have died and 3.02 million have been rescued across Pakistan amid severe rains and flash floods since June 26, The Express Tribune reported.

In a statement on Sunday, the NDMA said a total of 5,768 rescue operations were conducted nationwide, during which 273,524 relief items were distributed. Medical treatment was provided to 662,098 individuals at 741 camps set up through coordinated efforts of the NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Pakistan Army, and other emergency services.

Punjab recorded the highest fatalities with 304 deaths, including 110 children, 143 men, and 51 women. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) reported 504 deaths, comprising 90 children, 338 men, and 76 women. Sindh saw 80 deaths, Balochistan 30, Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) 41, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) 38, and Islamabad nine.

Nationwide, 1,063 people sustained injuries, with Punjab accounting for 661, K-P 218, Sindh 87, PoGB 52, PoJK 37, Balochistan five, and Islamabad three.

Rescue efforts were concentrated in Punjab, where 2.81 million people were evacuated through 4,749 operations. Sindh followed with 184,011 people rescued in 753 operations, and K-P with 14,317 people rescued in 211 operations, The Express Tribune reported.

The floods have caused widespread property and infrastructure damage. Nationwide, 12,569 homes were affected, including 4,128 destroyed and 8,441 partially damaged, while 6,509 livestock were lost. At least 239 bridges and 1,981 kilometers of roads were destroyed or damaged. K-P lost 52 bridges and 437 km of roads; PoJK 94 bridges and 201 km of roads; and PoGB 87 bridges and 20 km of roads.

Relief distributions included tents, blankets, hygiene kits, ration bags, food packs, and equipment such as solar panels, de-watering pumps, and generators. A total of 1,690 camps were established, comprising 741 medical camps that treated over 662,000 people and 949 relief camps that sheltered 152,252 individuals, The Express Tribune reported.

The NDMA said coordinated operations to deliver relief, restore infrastructure, and support rehabilitation efforts are ongoing.

*This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/over-1000-people-dead-due-to-floods-in-pakistan-23595175

addiction, health, medicine, policy, public health

The double burden of disease

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Pakistan is currently struggling against a public health challenge of a dual nature: the persistence of communicable diseases alongside the rapid rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This double burden of disease strains Pakistan’s already crippling healthcare infrastructure and jeopardizes the well-being of its citizens.

Amidst this complex situation, a new threat has emerged and is spreading at an alarming rate: tobacco-free nicotine pouches. Marketed with deceptive appeal, these products pose a significant and often underestimated risk to an individual’s health.

### What Are Nicotine Pouches?

Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed between the gum and lip, widely advertised as a modern and discreet way to consume nicotine. Unlike traditional tobacco products, these pouches contain nicotine powder extracted from tobacco leaves or synthetically manufactured. Their appeal is enhanced by a wide variety of flavors and the absence of smoke or spit, which are often associated with other tobacco products.

Marketed as tobacco-free or tobacco leaf-free, nicotine pouches have seen a significant recent surge in popularity. This has led to a common misconception that they are harmless.

### The Health Risks of Nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance with numerous detrimental health effects. Unregulated marketing and the rapid increase in use raise serious public health concerns about its long-term impact.

Nicotine is a potent psychoactive compound that can profoundly affect the human body. Its use leads to addiction—a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. This addiction, particularly when it begins in youth, can disrupt brain development. Normally, the brain continues to develop until a person’s mid-twenties. Early exposure can impair cognitive functions, including attention and learning, and may increase the likelihood of addiction to other substances later in life.

### Cardiovascular and Oral Health Concerns

Clinical trials have well-documented the extensive health risks associated with nicotine. Nicotine use has been linked to several cardiovascular issues: it can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, placing added strain on the heart. Long-term use can contribute to the hardening of artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. These conditions already represent a major part of the NCD burden in Pakistan, and the proliferation of nicotine pouches threatens to exacerbate this crisis.

Local effects of nicotine pouches on oral health are also a serious concern. Placing the pouch directly against the gums can lead to irritation and inflammation. Prolonged and repeated use can cause gum recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing roots and increasing the risk of dental caries and tooth loss. While the long-term impact on oral cancer is still under study, the potential for chronic irritation and inflammation of oral tissues remains a significant health risk.

### The Regulatory Vacuum and Its Consequences

The market for nicotine pouches in Pakistan is largely unregulated. Their tobacco-free status allows them to bypass many of the regulations and taxes that apply to traditional tobacco products. This regulatory vacuum has created room for aggressive marketing campaigns, especially on social media, targeting young adults and adolescents.

The appealing flavors and discreet nature of these products make them particularly attractive to this demographic, creating a new generation of nicotine users and perpetuating the cycle of addiction.

One recent study highlighted the alarming trend of high nicotine pouch use among young adults in Pakistan, many of whom are unaware of the associated health risks. The lack of robust regulation, combined with deceptive marketing, directly contributes to Pakistan’s double burden of disease.

### The Path Forward: Legislative and Regulatory Action

As NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, continue to rise, the introduction of easily accessible and addictive nicotine products threatens to worsen this prognosis. This places an immense burden on Pakistan’s healthcare system and economy, draining resources desperately needed for other public health initiatives.

In a positive development, the National Assembly passed the NIH bill on August 12. The bill emphasizes the dire need for establishing a national cancer registry to understand the actual burden of disease and to implement a national action plan for cancer prevention and management.

Through this bill, the structure and governance of the National Institute of Health will be strengthened, ensuring the reorganization of the institution and enhancing its performance. The approval marks a significant step toward reforms in the health sector and institutional improvement.

### Urgent Call to Action

To safeguard public health, particularly among the younger population, it is imperative that the government and regulatory authorities take immediate and decisive action:

– **Include nicotine pouches in the taxation stream** to limit widespread use.
– **Bring the sale and distribution of these products under strict regulatory control.**
– **Consider a comprehensive ban on the sale of nicotine pouches** as the most effective and direct way to address this emerging public health threat.

By eliminating this silent scourge, Pakistan can protect future generations and make tangible strides toward reducing the double burden of disease that plagues the nation. The time for action is now.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1345109-the-double-burden-of-disease